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"Understanding the Brain", The Birth of a Learning Science, 2007, page 87
The “Dual Route” Theory for Reading
The most comprehensive and well-supported model of reading to date is the “Dual Route” theory (Jobard, Crivello and Tzourio-Mazoyer, 2003). This theory provides a framework for describing reading in the brain at the level of the word.
As you look at the words on this page, this stimulus is first processed by the primary visual cortex. Then, pre-lexical processing occurs at the left occipito-temporal junction.
The dual route theory posits that processing then follows one of two complementary pathways. The assembled pathway involves an intermediate step of grapho-phonological conversion – converting letters/words into sounds – which occurs in certain left temporal and frontal areas, including Broca’s area.
The addressed pathway consists of a direct transfer of information from pre-lexical processing to meaning (semantic access). Both pathways terminate in the left basal temporal area, the left interior frontal gyrus, and the left posterior middle gyrus, or Wernicke’s area.
The pathway involving direct access to meaning has led to the proposal of a “visual word form area” (VWFA) at the ventral junction between the occipital and temporal lobes. This area was first proposed to contain a visual lexicon or collection of words which functions to immediately identify whole words when they are seen.
Recent research has suggested a modified conclusion that this region may actually consist of constellations of adjacent areas sensitive to various aspects of letter strings, such as length or order of words. The entire process from visual processing (seeing) to semantic retrieval (understanding) occurs very rapidly, all within about 600 mili-seconds.
As you look at the words on this page, this stimulus is first processed by the primary visual cortex. Then, pre-lexical processing occurs at the left occipito-temporal junction.
The dual route theory posits that processing then follows one of two complementary pathways. The assembled pathway involves an intermediate step of grapho-phonological conversion – converting letters/words into sounds – which occurs in certain left temporal and frontal areas, including Broca’s area.
The addressed pathway consists of a direct transfer of information from pre-lexical processing to meaning (semantic access). Both pathways terminate in the left basal temporal area, the left interior frontal gyrus, and the left posterior middle gyrus, or Wernicke’s area.
The pathway involving direct access to meaning has led to the proposal of a “visual word form area” (VWFA) at the ventral junction between the occipital and temporal lobes. This area was first proposed to contain a visual lexicon or collection of words which functions to immediately identify whole words when they are seen.
Recent research has suggested a modified conclusion that this region may actually consist of constellations of adjacent areas sensitive to various aspects of letter strings, such as length or order of words. The entire process from visual processing (seeing) to semantic retrieval (understanding) occurs very rapidly, all within about 600 mili-seconds.
"Understanding the Brain", The Birth of a Learning Science, 2007, page 87
